Life Matters ©

The start of a new year, or in this case a new decade, is often a reflective time for many. We ponder on what we can do differently to improve our lives, how to make the year count, or at minimum, ways to avoid last year's drama.

But before you stick to all of your new year’s resolutions, I would like to offer you a simple solution: Slow down!

Okay, there’s a bit more. Please read on.

Aiming for a better tomorrow or seeking to propel ourselves into a more prosperous and enjoyable future is the hallmark of individuals aspiring to seize the most out of life. Why repeat yesterday’s errors? Why sale yourself short of reaching your potential? You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to have a superior year during 2010.

I vow to exercise, eat healthier and lose weight.
I will work towards completing my degree.
I will aim to spend less and save more.
I will push myself to become financially stable.
I will be more productive at the office.
I will aim to be on time to work, school, church . . .
I will be more organized.

These are great! However, the challenge with resolutions or being goal-oriented individuals is that if not careful we bypass an essential element in the pursuit of our goals: Slowing down long enough to enjoy and cultivate relationships.

Yes, relationships!

Something in our humanness cries out for meaningful relationships. Trying to fill that need with other pursuits, including our long list of resolutions, only leaves to us disheartened at the end of the day despite our many achievements. Many CEOs of leading corporations, pastors of large congregations, holders of advance degrees, prominent artists, powerful politicians, and world-renown athletes are living with an unmet, innate desire for meaningful relationships even with their larger-than-life successes.  

So for 2010, my encouragement to you is simply to slow down long enough to perhaps:

1. Pick up the phone and call (not text) an old friend who would be encouraged by the simple sound of your voice.

2. Visit a loved one who can’t get around as easily as before.

3. Play hide and seek with your young children and let them find you.

4. Enjoy a cup of coffee or warm tea with your spouse while reminiscing about cherished moments.

5. Read your child’s favorite book to him or her and repeat it if asked to read it again.

6. Offer a soothing feet rub after she’s experienced a long day on her feet.

7. Help your overwhelmed neighbor rake the leaves, trim the bushes or cut the grass.

8. Contact your pastor and offer an uplifting prayer.

9. Go on a scenic walk through the park with your spouse or that special someone and enjoy the fragrance of the season.

10. Surprise your coworker with a wonderful slice of strawberry cheesecake and learn something new about their life over your break.

11. Encourage a classmate who is struggling with a difficult assignment.

12. Savor the aroma of a wonderfully cooked meal while engaging in meaniningful conversation with that special someone.

13. Write a letter (yes even in 2010) to a loved one who would be delighted to read your thoughts and appreciate the extra effort of using pen and paper to connect once more.

So try it! Slow down and make time for relationships during 2010.

Because life matters, you may just propel yourself and someone else into having a wonderful, prosperous and blessed year after all!